Film about Legendary American Band, Journey, with Filipino Frontman, Arnel Pineda, Wins Best Documentary in Palm Springs, California

The documentary film about the legendary American Band, Journey, and its Filipino Frontman, Arnel Pineda, has won the Audience Award as Best Documentary Feature in Palm Springs International Film Festival in California this 2013.

The movie entitled, “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey”, has won over four other films; “No Place on Earth,” “More Than Honey,” “Defiant Requiem,” and “Nuala: A Life and Death.”

Journey with Arnel Pineda (center), Image credit: Journey

“Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey” was directed, written and co-produced by Ramona Diaz, and stars the Journey’s Filipino lead singer, Arnel Pineda, the lead guitarist, Neal Schon, other band members, Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain, and Deen Castronovo.

The story’s attraction is the Cinderella story of its Filipino lead singer, Arnel Pineda, who came from “obscurity to become the frontman of one of the most legendary rock bands of all times.” It is a heart-warming and inspirational story of success that would provide hope for those who have nearly given up.

Arnel and the Journey members were interviewed by Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah, when Arnel was introduced as the lead singer who would be touring with the band around Europe and Asia as part of the Journey band.

When Arnel Pineda toured with Journey, he admitted that there were some racist comments and reactions, but there were millions more “open arms” welcoming their performances in their cities. The tour with Journey’s new singer was a success.

Neal Schon was the band member who discovered Arnel from YouTube via his cover songs of different rock bands ranging from Led Zeppelin, to Bon Jovi, to Aerosmith. When Neal heard him cover a Journey song, he couldn’t believe his ears: there was Steve Perry, but not Steve Perry.

Movie fans would have to watch the movie to learn more about what is happening behind the stage after each performance of their favorite band.